Not-another-cosplay-survery-oh-god (please help? <3)

By Pixel. 15/05/11, 02:40 pm

Spoiler:

1. Age?
15

2. Gender?
Female

3. Do you make or buy your costumes?
Bought 4, making 1 at the moment.

4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
I think it was when I signed up to DeviantArt & Youtub eand saw people cosplaying on those sites.

5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Its fun, and a great way to meet people with the same interests as you.

6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
No, I haven't thought about quitting. I only started cosplaying last year.

7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
Yes! It's made me more outgoing and introduced me to plenty of awesome people who have influenced me and I've changed my attitude somewhat.

8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Wigs! Omg wigs. I've always wanted to have bright coloured hair and never wanted to dye my own. Perfect solution= wigs Very Happy

9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Beneficial? I dont think so? Its rather expensive and I don't have a job to pay for it yet ^^;

10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I usually say 'I'm cosplaying, it's really fun. Yes, it's a wig'. xD

11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I tell them about cosplay and that it's my hobby because its fun. Most of my friends dont really care about what I'm up to xD

12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
The anime would still exist right? In that case, I would still have something to obsess about and be weird Very Happy

13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.))
I dont mind.

**Guest** Guest

Spoiler:

Age? 17

Gender? Female

Do you make or buy your costumes? Both. I enjoy making them, but if I know I don't have the skills to make something or I fail at making something I'll just go buy it to save me the trouble.

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it? I was at Wellington armageddon '09 and saw everyone in costume and was just so inspired to give it a shot.

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now? I just like the idea of dressing up and doing it with my friends. I love making cute outfits, and seeing photos of myself in them. It's really fun!

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why? A few times because of how people treated me and drama and stuff. That and, a few times I just felt like my skills weren't to a high enough standard. I can sew now, so thats a bonus.

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how? It has, I'm less of an annoying weeaboo thing. It's helped me grow up and mature alot through meeting lots of different people and taking responsibility.

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why? Being in cosplay groups, meeting new people, actually making something I never thought I could.

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent? Well, I've learned to sew because of it, so thats super good. Just learning all the craft skills is wonderful, and trying new things is really beneficial to me. It's taught me that I can achieve something I've set my mind to.

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? It's mostly awkward when I'm by myself buying fabric and they ask me what I'm doing. Generally I just say 'Oh I'm making a dress' or a jacket or something, be super vague. Some of the woman at spotlight know what we get up to, but I like to keep it on the down-low. Also, the public tend to just honk horns or ask what we are doing and we explain.

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react? My brother is really proud of me and came to watch me in competitions to get photos. Mum used to really hate it, but she's gotten over that and sometime compliments my cosplays and gives me sewing supplies and ribbon if she has some laying around.

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different? I'd probably be foreveralone.jpg with no friends. And I'd probably be weird or something. Good thing it exists! c;!

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.) Go for it c:

By Rolly. 15/05/11, 09:41 pm

Spoiler:

Age?
20 (I have to remember I'm not 19 any more! D:)

Gender?
Female

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I tend to make all my costumes. None of my costumes to date have been bought. Partly because I'm quite skinny and it's a bit of a gamble on sizing, and especially as I have weirdly shaped proportions.

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
Tobe honest, I don't quite remember. What I do remember is me reading up an article on cosplay, either on Wikipedia or similar. I did consider cosplaying back in yr 10 and yr 11, but it never happened until 2008 where I made my first costume for DO. I'd have to credit to finding CNZ and helping me getting started with sewing, especially Jess!
Thinking back, I don't why cosplay attracted me so! I guess it was the excitement of becoming a different person, being a character for a day and wearing something unsual that attracted me to cosplay.

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
It is fun as a hobby! Plus, I've met so much new great friends due to cosplay, and I guess the socialising factor between cosplayers plays a huge part. Of course, the topic acts as a common starting point most of the time to hit a conversation off, or the series/game the costume is from.
I also enjoying learning more about sewing, and the skills I've learnt has come in useful for things other than cosplay!

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
No, though I have reached the point of "I can't be bothered doing this anymore" or "rage quit" during the weeks leading up to an event.

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
I guess it has made me a bit more sociable and confident in meeting new people. I guess the addition of a new circle of great friends fit into this question? :)

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Getting to see everyone's amazing costumes! During a event/con, it's always an extreme highlight seeing the friends I've made through cosplay again, especially the ones that have travelled up from the South Island and from other parts of the North Island. It feels like a big family gathering.
Also learning new skills and techniques over the course of constructing a cosplay, and wearing it in the end!

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
I've learnt a great deal of different practical skills from constructing costumes, not limited to sewing. It has also allowed me to make amazing friends and makes me less shy and more sociable in certain situations. (I feel like I'm being repetitive but it's true!)

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I've never been confronted by a member of the public before in this instance, so it's hard for me to answer this question!

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
Initially mum thought it was one of those "5-minute quick fire interests" where after one costume I would never want to do it again. Sadly, she was wrong. She was a bit unwilling when I mentioned doing a second costume. So I worked on it in secret like a rebellious teenager. Razz

Somewhere along the line she started finding my sewing skills useful in making small projects for her, and I think that's when she stopped showing displeasure about it. Dad, on the other hand, doesn't say muich about it, but has expressed how it is a waster of money when it's only going to be worn once. But that's just how he is, so I try not to take too much notice of him when he says that.
My high school friends were quite accepting when they knew I was cosplay, probably due to the fact I had always been "the most anime-obsessed one" out of them all, so they probably saw something 'extreme' like this of the sort coming one day. Haha.
I have been quite fortunate in the new friends I've met through university tend to have similar interests in me, and are quite accepting/encouraging of cosplay. Even a few of them cosplay too!

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
I think I wouldn't have such a healthy interest/hobby, and my life would be quite boring. I'd have never met such wonderful people through cosplay, and would probably have met and made less friends in university, since cosplay was a contributing factor that helped us become friends.

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Yes it's fine. :)

By mystix-candy. 15/05/11, 10:25 pm

Spoiler:

Age?
18

Gender?
Female

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I make/modify minor things like shoes or gloves but buy major things like the outfit. Otherwise, it's too time consuming..

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
I decided to cosplay Deidara on a whim. A week before Doujin Overload 2009. I suppose it was because I'd seen people in previous years cosplay to that event and they looked cool so I wanted to try too..

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
It's fun to cosplay with friends I wouldn't have known were it not for cosplay x'>

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Yes. Because I thought it would take up too much of my time. But I got around it :'>

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
I feel a bit more confident and extroverted thanks to cosplay. It's easy to be more confident when your persona you're dressed as is different to your own. And I guess traits of that more confident self has been brought over to my natural personality~
But I guess it's from being around the cosplay community who are a supportive and encouraging bunch that've made me more confident and accepting~

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
BEING ON THE ARMAGEDDON WEBSITE TWICE B|
IN MY FIRST COSPLAY.
WHICH I DIDN'T EVEN THINK WAS THAT GOOD.
I get so excited everytime October comes around.

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Being on the 'geddon website in my cosplay has definetely made me noticed ._. a friend I made at Uni recognised me from the website and she was excited xDDD
And I'm seen to be pretty cool by my peers for cosplaying~

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
They're quite accepting. I guess if it isn't hurting anybody, why not cosplay? right?

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I'll never forget what my dad says about it:
"I'm glad cosplay is your hobby. There's a whole lot worse stuff you could be doing and I'm glad you're sticking to this."
My friends however, have parents that aren't as supportive. I don't understand why because what daddy says has a point.

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
I'd probably remain shy. And I wouldn't be on this website filling out this form~

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process
book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
I don't mind x'> GO FOR AN A!

By ox0kristen0xo. 15/05/11, 10:34 pm

Spoiler:

Age?
22

Gender?
Female

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I make them (buying feels like cheating somehow).

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
My interest in Manga and Anime led me to the Armageddon expo website and I saw info there on cosplay and decided to give it a go at the first expo I went to (Auck 09).

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Dressing up is so fun! I also enjoy the craft factor, sewing and things. The feeling of accomplishment that goes with it and people appreciating your work too.

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Nope

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
Helped me to be more outgoing and less afraid to meet and talk to new people.

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Dressing up and going to events, meeting other cosplayers with similar interests etc. Turning fantasy into reality.

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way?
How so, and to what extent? It is a hobby that I am very passionate about and therefore makes me happy!

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I just tell them the truth, that I am dressing up for fun/ an event and I made the costume. I haven't had any negative reactions when in costume.

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it?How do they react?
I tell them the same. My parents were confused at first as to why I did it and put so much effort in to it. But my friends and family accept that I am a bit different and I even get them to join in sometimes. Though I be careful in mentioning it to people I don't know very well as they often view it as childish and silly.

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
I would probably be more of a closet nerd and would not be as good at sewing as I am.

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Am fine with it being posted online.

By **Mandie_Chan**. 15/05/11, 11:22 pm

Raaa~

Spoiler:

1. Age?
20
2. Gender?
Female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes?
Make~
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
My sister actually. I found out through her what it was and since I already knew how to sew I was quite keen to make costumes to wear to random gatherings~
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
I love making something from nothing. I love sewing (though I'm not the best but I like learning new skills~) and I like finding new cosplays that push me a bit more each time ie making props or making my own patterns. Another reason why I still cosplay is probably because of all the friends I've made. There's nothing like traveling to another part of the country to see a friend you haven't seen in a long time~
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
lol yes~ Usually about 3/4 of the way through a cosplay and I realize how stupid it looks. Or the week before a convention and I realize how un prepared I am. Far to much stress involved for a hobby xD
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
...yes? I think I've become better at leading and organizing people. Through cosplay I've organized events for the Chch Cosplay Club and now I've started helping and running one event for NZAE (YAY!). Cosplay specifically has also helped me become more confident. At conventions and in the CCC I have become much better at meeting new people and starting up conversations. Can't really imagine where I would be if I didn't have cosplay ^_^;
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
Making new friends. Cosplay has given me (and others I'm sure) a chance to meet others within NZ and overseas. Having friends all over the country and then have reasons to travel to see them, it's just awesome. Also the trips to Dunedin and Timaru. I love meeting up with friends I've made at conventions outside of the stress. Cosplay or no cosplay it's always fun.
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Extremely beneficial! more self-confidence, improved sewing skills (and other crafty skill-ness), a new found freedom (traveling around NZ for conventions/random weekends away) and more that I can't think of~
10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I'll usually say I'm dressing up in costume. Reactions are varied, most think it's cool but not for them (especially if they know the character) and I've had a few that have made fun of me for dressing up but meh~ they are totally missing out on the fun. Once when I was cosplay Ash Ketchum I has a complete stranger jump in front of me and yell "IT'S ASH FROM PELET TOWN!" That was totally awesome~
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I tell them it's called 'cos-play' and that it stands for costume-roleplaying. Most of them think it's awesome how I can sew/make costumes. The reactions are always positive, and they always want to see pictures of finished cosplays - even if they don't know the characters. It helps to explain when they know a character, for instance when my nana saw my minnie mouse cosplay she understood and could even think of a few others who had dressed up~
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
oh wow... nasty thought right there. Well for starters I probably wouldn't have awesome friends all around the country. I wouldn't be on CNZ or have played mafia with there people on this forum. I wouldn't be travelling around NZ 2-4 times a year and I wouldn't be running a sunday social group. awwww i wouldn't even have the close friends that I do now either >_<;
I'd probably still be sewing but not quite as much, and I probably wouldn't be pushing my sewing skills to much.
This is a very sad thought indeed. Glad it is not the case ^_^;
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
Sure~
All the best with your project!

_________________

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~Jouhari~
~Formspring~

By Tails. 15/05/11, 11:40 pm

:)

Spoiler:

Age? 20
Gender? girly Mc girl girl

Do you make or buy your costumes?
I make them. I make my competition entries from scratch, but with hall cosplays I sometimes buy basic things like skirts and shirts. Even so, most things I buy get altered anyway, either by being resized, resewn for a different shape, dyed or things added.

What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
I was attracted to cosplay by the craft side of it. In highschool I was known for my sewing and art, so a friend told me about Armageddon and the 'cosplay' competition. Conveniently, I loved costumes, anime and gaming, so I started on my first cosplay asap!

If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
The social side keeps me cosplaying mostly. Wearing my first cosplay, I didn't know any other cosplayers. Now, my closet friends are cosplayers. I still love creating the costumes and having photoshoots, but if I hadn't had made so many friends, I probably wouldn't do it so much.

Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
Yes, when the stress of finishing a costume has pushed me to tears. Also letting people down if you had a group planned. But these are things we live and learn from. Now I plan ahead, and if I don't get something done on time I just finish it another time and don't let it get to me.

Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
I remember giving a speech at my sister's 21st, and afterwards a highschool friend came up to me and said "what happened to the girl too scared to give a speech? You've changed!" and I may note I was wearing my Poison Ivy cosplay at the time. So I guess it has made me less shy :)

What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
The satifaction of doing a character justice. If people compliment my cosplay it can really make my day after all the work going into it. Having photoshoots are pretty fun as well!

Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Yes! I've made friends, and even a bit of money from commissions. Whoop!

What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
"You know those people that dress up as cartoons and game characters at cons? Yeah, I do that." That's usually what I say, most people will know what I'm talking about. If not, I just say I make costumes for a hobby.

What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
Same as above I suppose. My family is quite into art, acting, modelling etc so they love it. My friends think it's awesome too, which always makes me blush whenever they say so. I haven't really met anyone that had a bad reaction.

If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
I'd have more money, time, but less friends. I'm not sure if I would have kept sewing after highschool, which would be sad. My grades would probably be higher too haha. Overall, cosplay has become a big part of my life, with both positive and negative effects. Just needs balance.

Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online?
Nope, go for it. Hope I helped!

By Koemix. 16/05/11, 08:02 pm

Spoiler:

By ThenaCastle. 30/10/11, 02:37 pm

Spoiler:

1. Age
17
2. Gender
Female
3. Do you make or buy your costumes
I only have one so far, and I made it using different clothes and stuff, but I am only just starting
4. What was it that originally drew you to cosplay? How did you find out about it?
How fun it looked. Watching cosplay videos on youtube. Plus cause I am a massive hetalia fan, so I thought it would be fun to cosplay the characters.
5. If you continue to cosplay, why do you still do it now?
Cause its fun, and I enjoy being able to be strange and a little crazy
6. Have you ever thought about quitting cosplay? Why?
No, because its fun and cause I only just started ^J^
7. Has cosplay affected you personally, and if so, how?
It made me think about who I am myself, and what kind of person I am
8. What are the highlights of cosplay for you, and why?
The whole thing - the fun, creativity, and insaneness ^J^
9. Has cosplay been beneficial to you in some way? How so, and to what extent?
Yes. It keeps me amused and helps me be creative
10. What do you usually say to members of the public when asked about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
No one has asked really, as I havent had much chance to wear it out as my parents dont like me too >< Since I am just starting I also do not have many people to cosplay with or anything
11. What do you say to people you know personally (friends/family/accquaintances) about what you're doing and why you're doing it? How do they react?
I say I am cosplaying, and cause I can and want to. My parents say its stupid. My brother loves it. My friends dont really know, cause I only see them at school, but the two I do see out of school, one says its stupid and he will burn my wig if I wear it around him, the other one doesnt mind
12. If cosplay had never existed, and never would exist - how might your life be different?
It would be more boring ^J^
13. Do you mind me publishing these answers (in part or entirety) online? (If you do mind, your answer will be recorded in my process book and possibly shared with my class, but those will be the only instances of them being disclosed.)
No, not at all, da ^J^

^J^ Here is mine, da~

By Lumissne. 30/10/11, 04:44 pm

@ThenaCastle: You may want to pay attention to when this was posted lD;

By **JVCA**. 30/10/11, 04:49 pm

Thread locked due to necro-ing.
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